All About You FRIDAY – Seeing Forward

If you are a follower of this blog, you already know I’m big into celebrating, not necessarily with giant parties and a lot of hoopla, but with something special on the calendar to commemorate an event or a moment.

I remember a time in my life when I was bogged down with obligation. I went years without taking a vacation or doing anything special. I didn’t hate my life. I am dutiful, after all. But I realized time marched on, year after year, and the older I got the faster it went.

One year, I finally planned something at the end of the summer. I can’t even recall what the event was, but I know I wished my summer away as I counted down the days. And that’s when I got a wake-up call. If the anticipation of an event months away added purpose and excitement to my day, then why wouldn’t I put something on the calendar every month? Every week?

Yesterday, I bought tickets to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s movie night in December. They will be playing the soundtrack to one of my favorite holiday films, Love Actually, while it plays on a gigantic screen. I took a screen shot of the ticket and sent it to the one I love.

“You are the light of my life!” she said. It’s her favorite movie, too. Her shared excitement added levity to my day.

And if you were to check out my calendar, you will see entries like: “The Day We Met Again Anniversary” or “The First Kiss Anniversary” or…you get the picture. Am I fishing for a celebration? Maybe. But why not?

We’ve spent weeks cleaning out my 85-year old neighbor’s house in anticipation for her return home from the rehab center where she is learning to walk again. I’ve witnessed a transformation over the past month as she’s battled back from an infection. Her color is back. Her voice is strong. And her sense of humor has returned.

“So, what’s been going on at the house?” she asked.

“We put in a new kitchen sink and painted the walls,” I replied. “You are going to have to host Thanksgiving this year.” I added jokingly.

Her eyes lit up. “I hope you like turkey!” she said.

That is a moment that will sit with me for awhile. I realized my neighbor had not made plans of any sort for years, except maybe plans on how her life would eventually end. Long gone were the days of having people over, of celebrating…of mattering to anyone.

“We can’t wait for you to come home,” I said. She smiled.

I talked to her on the phone a couple of days ago and she was reminded of a bit of money she has to spend from an investment account before the end of the year.

“That sounds like a great Christmas party to me!” I said, once again joking.

And without missing a beat, she said with a smile in her voice, “That’s something to look forward to.”

I’m already thinking about the people we could have over. Neighbors she asks about. Friends she hasn’t yet met. People who have contributed to the rehabilitation of her home that will now allow her to host visitors. You can hear it in her voice and see it in her face. She is looking forward with anticipation.

Makes me want to put more things on her calendar. Like: “Red Wings Season Opener Celebration” (she is a huge fan) or “Making It Back Home Anniversary” or “The Day We Really Became Neighbors Anniversary”.

Life is too short. Everyone matters. And there are things to celebrate. Sometimes we just need to make it a point to remind each other.

As for us…today is Dessert First Friday.

“You mean you eat dessert on the first Friday of the month?” someone once asked.

“No,” I laughed. “It means EVERY Friday, we eat dessert first.”

We will meet at our favorite French patisserie at the end of our day to toast in the weekend over a sweet treat and a hot drink. Because, why not? We made it past Manic Monday and Hump Day and Friday Jr. (Thursday). That is worthy of a toast. And you are welcome to join us.

It’s been a long week. Don’t forget to celebrate. Look forward to something. Because it can change everything.

Until next time…